Robin Zielinski — Sun-News
Gert Wolschon, 94, reacts on Tuesday after receiving hugs and a Hershey's chocolate bar from Jaelyn Juarez, 9, left, and other Valley View Elementary School students who interviewed her for a living history project at the Munson Senior Center.

LAS CRUCES >> The fourth-grade students were nervous the first time they went to Munson Center to meet with 12 senior citizens.

Their mission: Listen to the stories the seniors share, then transform the tales into mini biographies and videos.

They were initially hesitant, teacher Sheryl Barham said, but by the time the students presented their finished project Tuesday, they were hugging and laughing with their new friends.

More than 40 Valley View Elementary School fourth-graders presented their biographies and videos to the senior citizens they had grown to love Tuesday at the Munson Center.

Many of their presentations ended the same way: "You're the best friend I ever had."

Barham has coordinated the project for the past few years, two of which have been at Munson Center. She and teacher Felicity Valle led the project this semester, walking the students the block to the center four times to meet with their senior partners. The students also did a cooking activity with the seniors using vegetables from the school garden, Barham said.

The project was a community service opportunity for the students, as well as a chance for them to learn about historical events they see in textbooks from the people who lived them, Barham said.

Advertisement

"I wanted to get my students out in the community more and give them a different perspective," Barham said. "We learn about history in the classes, but they don't really see it. They don't understand it."

The seniors told the students about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — which occurred years before they were born.

The children took those stories, researched the historical events and wrote mini biographies on their new friends. They created short biographical videos to show as well.

Sometimes the students discovered similarities in their childhoods — doing chores or enjoying arts and crafts. But more often they gained a glimpse into years past.

"Roy did not have technology when he was little," one student said during his presentation Tuesday. "He had a blackboard and chalk."

The students shared their knowledge as well. One group taught senior Gertrude Wolschon how to use an iPad.

The seniors smiled and laughed while the students shared their stories and videos Tuesday. Many brought trinkets to share with the children: AARP Frisbees, cards and plaques commemorating their time together.

"I loved it, just getting to know the youth and where they're coming from today," senior Jim Gibson said of the project.

Luis Garcia, 11, one of the students partnered with Gibson, said he enjoyed the project. "I think it was pretty cool," he said before rushing to get Gibson cookies from the refreshments table.

The seniors shared their advice with the students throughout the sessions: "Study hard." "Live free."

"You taught us how to work with other people and listen to our parents," one student said of senior Sarah Kinglow.

Gibson, a former law enforcement officer, handcuffed his students during one meeting "to let them know they don't ever want to be in that situation," he said.

Senior Sarah Kinglow encouraged the students to work hard to get ahead.

"It was wonderful," she said of the partnership. "I really enjoyed it very much working with the children."

Lindsey Anderson can be reached at 575-541-5462.

Robin Zielinski — Sun-News
Sarah Kinglow, 61, enjoys her visit Tuesday from Valley View fourth-grader Alondra Casas-Sanchez, 10, and others who were part of the living history project.